[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 52 (Thursday, March 17, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-6217]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: March 17, 1994]


_______________________________________________________________________

Part VI





Department of Commerce





_______________________________________________________________________



National Institute of Standards and Technology



_______________________________________________________________________




Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program; Notice
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Institute of Standards and Technology
[Docket No. 940247-4047]

 
Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program

AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 
Technology Administration, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of availability of funds.

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SUMMARY: The National Institute of Standards and Technology invites 
proposals from qualified organizations for funding for projects that 
accomplish any one of the following objectives:
    Program Planning: To support the creation of a program plan for a 
state-wide, coordinated technology extension system to enhance the 
competitiveness of small and medium-sized manufacturers through the 
application of technology.
    Program Implementation: To support the initial implementation of a 
comprehensive state-wide industrial extension program or the pilot 
testing of new program and service concepts to help small and medium-
sized manufacturers improve productivity and competitiveness.
    Regional Linkages: To support inter-state or multi-state efforts to 
expand the scope and enhance the effectiveness of technical assistance 
services available regionally to small and medium-sized manufacturers.
    Program Planning projects are open to all states, regardless of 
state size, industrial density/sparseness, or number of existing 
industrial assistance programs.
    For Program Implementation and Regional Linkages projects, NIST 
plans to give priority consideration to projects having the best 
potential to benefit areas with relatively sparse distribution of 
industry, or low industry density areas that do not lend themselves to 
large extension centers as a method of service delivery.

DATES: Proposals will be accepted until 4 p.m. EDT on April 18, 1994. 
It is the responsibility of applicants to ensure that their proposals 
are received at the Manufacturing Extension Partnership office by the 
time and date stated. Proposals received after the closing time and 
date will be returned.

ADDRESSES: Applicants must submit one signed original plus two copies 
of the proposal along with Standard Form 424 and Form CD-511 to: 
Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Polymers Building (Bldg. 224), 
room B-115, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 
Gaithersburg, Maryland, 20899-0001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For clarification of the content of 
this notice telephone: Roger Kilmer at (301) 975-3423. Copies of SF-424 
(Rev 4-88) Form CD-511, and other required forms may be obtained from 
the NIST Grants Office (301) 975-6394.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

    The catalog number for the award of ``State Technology Extension 
Program'' funds in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance is 
11.613.

Program Description

    In accordance with the provisions of the National Institute of 
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 2781), as amended, NIST will 
provide assistance in fiscal year 1994 to help States develop 
manufacturing assistance programs aimed at small and medium-sized 
manufacturers and help bring those State programs to a level of 
performance where they can provide the full range of manufacturing 
extension services required by their manufacturers. Under the NIST 
Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), which includes the State 
Technology Extension Program (STEP), NIST will make merit-based awards 
to States to help improve their planning, coordination, and 
implementation of their technology extension activities. This funding 
will also be available to multi-state partnerships which seek to expand 
the scope of technology assistance related services regionally 
available to small- and medium-sized manufacturers. MEP assumes a broad 
definition of manufacturing, and recognizes a wide range of technology 
and concepts, including durable goods production; chemical, 
biotechnology, and other materials processing; electronic component and 
system fabrication; and engineering services associated with 
manufacturing, as lying within the definition of manufacturing.

Funding Availability

    Approximately, $2,500,000 will be available to support cooperative 
agreements on a matching funds basis under this program. Funding size 
will vary according to the project category and scope of work. For 
example, Program Planning projects have typically averaged less than 
$100,000 in past years. Program Planning projects that include pilot 
testing of the proposed extension plan or planning for multiple 
intrastate regions will be eligible for NIST funding up to $150,000. 
For Program Implementation projects and Regional Linkage projects, 
awards will also vary, but NIST funds may not exceed $250,000 per 
project. States will be able to submit proposals for each of the three 
project categories.

Award Period

    The cooperative agreements entered into under this program will be 
available for one year. If an application is selected for funding, DOC 
has no obligation to provide any additional future funding in 
connection with that award. Renewal of an award to increase funding or 
extend the period of performance is at the total discretion of DOC.

Indirect Costs

    The total dollar amount of the indirect costs proposed in an 
application under this program must not exceed the indirect cost rate 
negotiated and approved by a cognizant Federal agency prior to the 
proposed effective date of the award or 100 percent of the total 
proposed direct costs dollar amount in the application, whichever is 
less.

Proposal Format

    The Basic Proposal must not exceed 25 typewritten pages in length. 
The applicant may submit a separately bound document of appendices, 
containing letters of support or other information in support of the 
Basic Proposal. Appendices and other supplemental information must not 
exceed 20 pages. Excess pages in either the Basic Proposal (over the 25 
page limit) or the supplemental appendices (over the 20 page limit) 
will not be considered in the evaluation.

Content of Basic Proposal

    The Basic Proposal must, at a minimum, include the following:
    A. An executive summary of not more than five (5) pages, 
summarizing the planned project consistent with the Evaluation Criteria 
stated in this notice.
    B. A description of the planned project sufficient to permit 
evaluation of the proposal in accordance with the proposal Evaluation 
Criteria stated in this notice.
    C. A budget for the project which identifies all sources of funds.
    D. A description of the qualifications of key personnel who will be 
assigned to work on the proposed project.
    E. A statement of work that discusses the specific tasks to be 
carried out, including a schedule of measurable events and milestones.
    F. For Program Planning and Program Implementation projects, 
letters from the Governor's office (not considered part of the page 
count) indicating that the applicant is the lead organization for 
conducting the proposed activities. For Program Planning, the letter 
will also acknowledge that there is only one proposal from that state 
for Program Planning.
    G. A Standard Form 424 (Rev 4-88) prescribed by OMB circular A-102, 
and Form CD-511, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension and 
Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements and 
Lobbying. SF-424 (Rev 4-88) and Form CD-511 will not be considered part 
of the page count of the Basic Proposal.

Invitation for Proposals

    Qualified organizations are invited to submit proposals in one or 
more of the projects stated in this notice. Each proposal should 
address only one project.

Program Planning Projects

Project objective

    The purpose of Program Planning projects will be to create plans 
for state-wide, coordinated, technology extension programs in order to 
enhance the competitiveness of small- and medium-sized manufacturers. 
These projects will plan for the development and coordination of 
existing and/or newly formed services, such as state industrial 
assistance programs; workforce training; university-based industrial 
assistance programs; and management assistance programs; into a unified 
state-wide program. Plans will include providing access to a wide range 
of technology and services, such as technology deployment, workers 
skills development, technology transfer and commercialization, or 
export and market development.
    Applicants may conduct planning activities on multiple intrastate 
region basis, when regions are defined by the state. Regions should be 
clearly defined by the proposing organizations and it must be clear why 
the program is regionally oriented, versus state-wide, and how the 
multiple intrastate regions will be integrated into a state-wide plan 
or interact such that state-wide coverage is achieved.
    Applicants may include pilot testing activities as part of their 
planning process. If pilot testing of the proposed extension plan is 
included in the project, it should include methods of evaluating the 
pilot test's success in implementing the proposed extension plan. Any 
proposed pilot activity must be consistent with the program plan 
developed for the state.

Program Planning Projects Evaluation Criteria

    Proposals from applicants will be evaluated and rated on the basis 
of the following criteria by an impartial competitive review panel. 
Each proposal should address all five evaluation criteria and 
evaluation criteria 1-3 will be weighted more heavily than criteria 4-
5. Selection will be based upon total evaluation score as well as 
geographic distribution.
    1. Target Population (25 points): Potential applicants should 
specify a methodology for identifying a population of beneficiary 
companies (the target population) and their technology assistance-
related needs. Factors that will be considered include:
    (a) Methodology for defining the size and demographic 
characteristics of the target population to be served by the program 
plan.
    (b) Methodology for determining the target population's assistance 
needs, eg. technology, training, information, quality improvement, 
management, etc.
    (c) Methodology to ensure that the plan is appropriate for 
addressing identified industry needs.
    2. Resource Identification and Assessment (20 points): Applicants 
should describe the methodology for collecting information about the 
number, size, technical sophistication, type, and relevance of 
industrial assistance activities that will be part of the coordination 
effort. Factors that will be considered include:
    (a) Methodology for identifying relevant assistance programs and 
other sources of expertise outside applicant's organization.
    (b) Methodology for assessing relevance and effectiveness of 
resources in addressing identified industry needs.
    3. Coordination with Existing Resources (25 points): Applicants 
should set forth a plan for interacting or coordinating with 
appropriate existing and/or newly-formed state and local technology-
industrial assistance services, potential industry partners, and 
appropriate federal services, to develop a coordinated state-wide 
delivery system. Factors that will be considered include:
    (a) Methodology and adequacy of plans for forming effective 
linkages and partnerships necessary to plan for and provide a 
coordinated range of services to meet the needs of the target 
population.
    (b) Safeguards to ensure that planned activity does not duplicate 
existing services or resources.
    4. Management (15 points): Applicants should specify plans for 
proper organization, staffing, and management of the planning process. 
Factors that will be considered include:
    (a) Appropriateness and authority of the governing or managing 
organization to conduct a state-wide (or regional) planning process.
    (b) Qualifications of the project team and its leadership to 
conduct a state-wide (or regional) planning process.
    (c) Appropriateness of the organizational approach for carrying out 
the planning activity.
    (d) Evidence of significant involvement and support by the state 
and by private industry.
    5. Financial Plan (15 points): Applicants should show the relevance 
and cost effectiveness of the financial plan for meeting the objectives 
of the project; the firmness and level of the applicant's total 
financial support for the project; and the plan to maintain the program 
after the cooperative agreement has expired. Factors that will be 
considered include:
    (a) Cost effectiveness of the budget.
    (b) Strength of commitment of proposer's cost share.
    (c) Effectiveness of management plans for control of budget.
    (d) Appropriateness of matching contribution.
    (e) Plan for maintaining the program after the cooperative 
agreement has expired.

Eligibility Criteria

    Eligible applicants for these projects are state technology 
extension programs operated by state governments, or on behalf of state 
governments by private or public non-profit organizations. All states 
will be eligible, regardless of state size, industrial density/
sparseness, or number of existing industrial assistance programs. 
States that have received previous planning grants remain eligible for 
additional Program Planning projects. Applicants will be able to 
propose conducting the planning activities themselves or arranging for 
some or all of the planning activities to be carried out by a second 
party. One proposal for Program Planning will be accepted per state.

Matching Requirements

    A matching contribution from each applicant is required. NIST may 
provide financial support up to 50% of the total budget for the 
project, however, the federal share may not exceed $150,000. The 
applicant's share of the budget may include dollar contributions from 
state, county, industrial or other non-federal sources and in-kind 
contributions necessary and reasonable for proper accomplishment of 
project objectives.

Required Letters

    A letter will be required from the Governor indicating that the 
eligible applicant is the lead organization in that state for Program 
Planning activities, and acknowledging that there is only one proposal 
from that state for a Program Planning project. Where more than one 
such otherwise qualified Program Planning proposal per state is 
submitted, all such proposals from that state may be disqualified.

Program Implementation Projects

Project Objective

    The purpose of Program Implementation projects is to support the 
implementation of comprehensive, state-wide industrial extension 
programs and/or pilot testing of new program and service concepts, such 
as pilot outreach centers and other extention activities, to help small 
and medium-sized manufacturers improve productivity and 
competitiveness.
    For projects that support the implementation of a comprehensive 
state-wide industrial extension system, activities must build upon 
existing services and be consistent with comprehensive state plans, if 
such plans exist. Extension programs should provide access to a range 
of services, including but not limited to: technical extension, 
training, manager assistance, and quality improvement.
    Pilot testing of new services and activities will be permitted on a 
limited scale where there is an intent to replicate these services on a 
larger scale or to move toward full-scale implementation. Accordingly, 
pilot testingmust include evaluation, analysis and documentation, and 
may include some planning activities as necessary.
    NIST plans to give priority consideration to projects having the 
best potential to benefit areas with relatively sparse distribution of 
industry, or low density industry areas that do not lend themselves to 
large extension centers as a method of service delivery.

Program Implementation Projects Evaluation Criteria

    Proposals from applicants will be evaluated and rated on the basis 
of the following criteria by an impartial competitive review panel. 
Each proposal should address all six evaluation criteria and evaluation 
criteria 1-4 will be weighted more heavily than criteria 5-6. Selection 
will be based upon total evaluation score as well as geographic 
distribution.
    1. Target Population (20 points): Potential applicants will be 
required to identify a population of beneficiary companies (the target 
population) and their technology-related assistance needs in the 
proposed service area. Factors that will be considered include:
    (a) A clear definition of the target population, its size and 
demographic characteristics.
    (b) Demonstrated understanding of the target population's 
assistance needs, e.g. technology, training, information, quality 
improvement, management, etc.
    (c) Appropriateness of the size of the target population and the 
anticipated impact for the proposed expenditure.
    2. Delivery Mechanisms (20 points): Applicants will need to specify 
the mechanism for delivery of services to the population of beneficiary 
companies (the target population). Factors that will be considered 
include:
    (a) Appropriateness and effectiveness of proposed delivery 
mechanism for meeting the identified needs of the target population.
    (b) Demonstration of capacity to form effective linkages and 
partnerships with other appropriate service providers.
    (c) Technical quality of the proposed approach, including knowledge 
and use of best industrial modernization practices.
    3. Coordination with Existing Resources (20 points): Applicants 
will need to describe how they will coordinate with existing or newly 
formed state or local technology/industrial assistance services, and 
federal services, to allow for increased economies of scale and to 
avoid duplication of services in providing assistance to small and 
medium-size manufacturers. For a comprehensive, state-wide industrial 
extension program, the applicant must show the degree to which 
activities integrate with and enhance existing or newly formed state, 
local, and appropriate federal technology assistance and industrial 
modernization activities to present a unified program of assistance. 
Factors that will be considered include:
    (a) Demonstrated understanding of existing organizations and 
resources relevant for providing technology assistance related services 
to the target population.
    (b) Adequate linkages and partnerships with existing organizations 
and clear definition of those organizations' roles in the proposed 
activities.
    (c) Proposed activity does not duplicate existing services or 
resources.
    (d) Consistency with comprehensive state plans if such plans exist.
    4. Program Evaluation (20 points): The applicant should specify 
plans for evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed program and 
for ensuring continuous improvement of program activities. Factors that 
will be considered include:
    (a) Thoroughness of evaluation plans, including internal evaluation 
for management control, external evaluation for accessing outcomes of 
the activity, and ``customer satisfaction'' measures of performance.
    (b) In the case of pilot projects, the proposer's plan must include 
documentation, analysis of the results, and must show how the results 
can be used in program development.
    5. Financial Plan (10 points): Applicants should show the relevance 
and cost effectiveness of the financial plan for meeting the objectives 
of the project; the firmness and level of the applicant's total 
financial support for the project; and a plan to maintain the program 
after the cooperative agreement has expired. Factors that will be 
considered include:
    (a) Reasonableness of the budget, both in income and expenses.
    (b) Strength of commitment of the proposer's cost share.
    (c) Effectiveness of management plans for control of budget.
    (d) Appropriateness of matching contributions.
    (e) Plan for maintaining the program after the cooperative 
agreement has expired.
    6. Management (10 points): Applicants should specify plans for 
proper organization, staffing, and management of the implementation 
process. Factors that will be considered include:
    (a) Appropriateness and authority of the governing or managing 
organization to conduct the proposed activities.
    (b) Qualifications of the project team and its leadership to 
conduct the proposed activity.
    (c) Soundness of staffing plans, including recruitment, selection, 
training, and continuing professional development.
    (d) Appropriateness of the organizational approach for carrying out 
the proposed activity.
    (e) Evidence of significant involvement and support by private 
industry.

Eligibility Criteria

    Eligible applicants for these projects are state technology 
extension programs operated by state governments, or on behalf of state 
governments by private or public non-profit organizations. All states 
will be eligible, regardless of state size, industrial density/
sparseness, or number of existing industrial assistance programs. 
States that have received previous program development or 
implementation grants remain eligible for additional Program 
Implementation projects. Applicants will be able to propose providing 
services themselves or arranging for some or all of the proposed 
services to be provided by a second party. More than one proposal for 
Program Implementation may be accepted from each state.

Matching Requirements

    A matching contribution for each applicant will be required. NIST 
may provide financial support up to 50% of the total budget for the 
project; however, the federal share may not exceed $250,000. One half 
of the applicant's required match (i.e. 25% of the total) must be cash. 
Cash may include dollar contributions from state, county, industrial or 
other non-federal sources. The applicant's share of the budget may 
include in-kind contributions necessary and reasonable for proper 
accomplishment of project objectives.

Required Letters

    All proposals for Program Implementation projects must contain a 
letter from the Governor indicating that the applicant is the lead 
organization in that state for conducting the proposed activities.
    Where linkages to other organizations are proposed, applicants are 
advised to include a letter of support and commitment from the linking 
organization.

Regional Linkages Projects

Project Objective

    The purpose of Regional Linkage projects is to support inter-state 
or multi-state partnerships that will expand the scope and enhance the 
effectiveness of technical assistance services regionally available to 
small and medium-sized manufacturers. Projects may be assistance 
service-led, or industry-led partnerships to provide assistance 
services that cross institutional and political boundaries. Assistance 
service-led partnerships, for example, can include shared assistance 
services that cross state boundaries, or electronic networking. 
Industry-led partnerships can include linkage activities between 
original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers, creating a 
multi-state network of suppliers, program planning for multi-state 
assistance delivery, or other activities that improve the interactions 
between manufacturers.

Regional Projects Evaluation Criteria

    Proposals from applicants will be evaluated and rated on the basis 
of the following criteria by an impartial competitive review panel. 
Each proposal should address all six evaluation criteria and evaluation 
criteria 1-4 will be weighted more heavily than criteria 5-6. Selection 
will be based upon total evaluation score as well as geographic 
distribution.
    1. Target Population (20 points): Potential applicants will be 
required to identify a population of beneficiary companies (the target 
population) and their technology-related assistance needs in the 
proposed service area. Factors that will be considered include:
    (a) A clear definition of the target population, its size and 
demographic characteristics.
    (b) Demonstrated understanding of the target population's 
assistance needs, eg. technology, training, information, quality 
improvement, management, etc.
    (c) Appropriateness of the size of the target population and the 
anticipated impact for the proposed expenditure.
    2. Delivery Mechanisms (20 points): Applicants will need to specify 
the mechanism for delivery of services to the population of beneficiary 
companies (the target population). Factors that will be considered 
include:
    (a) Appropriateness and effectiveness of proposed delivery 
mechanism for meeting the identified needs of the target population.
    (b) Demonstration of capacity to form effective linkages and 
partnerships with other appropriate service providers.
    (c) Technical quality of the proposed approach, including knowledge 
and use of best industrial modernization practices.
    3. Coordination with Existing Resources (20 points): Applicants 
will need to describe how they will coordinate with existing or newly-
formed technology/industrial assistance services and resources that 
will allow for increased economies of scale and complementary 
capabilities, and will avoid duplication of efforts in providing 
assistance to small and medium-sized manufacturers. It will be 
important to show how the proposed approach can reach across political 
or institutional boundaries to provide access to services. Factors that 
will be considered include:
    (a) Demonstrated understanding of existing organizations and 
resources relevant for providing technology assistance related services 
to the target population.
    (b) Strength of plans to establish and maintain linkages and 
partnerships with existing organizations (particularly across state 
boundaries), and a clear definition of those organizations' roles in 
the proposed activities.
    (c) Proposed activity does not duplicate existing services or 
resources.
    (d) Consistency with comprehensive state plans if such plans exist.
    4. Program Evaluation (20 points): The applicant should specify 
plans for evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed program and 
for ensuring continuous improvement of program activities. Factors that 
will be considered include:
    (a) Thoroughness of evaluation plans, including internal evaluation 
for management control, external evaluation for assessing outcomes of 
the activity, and ``customer satisfaction'' measures of performance.
    (b) Plans for the documentation, analysis of the results, and how 
the results can be used in program development.
    5. Financial Plan (10 points): Applicants should show the relevance 
and cost effectiveness of the financial plan for meeting the objectives 
of the project; the firmness and level of the applicant's total 
financial support for the project; and the plan to maintain the program 
after the cooperative agreement has expired. Factors that will be 
considered include:
    (a) Reasonableness of the budget, both in income and expenses.
    (b) Strength of commitment of the proposer's cost share.
    (c) Effectiveness of management plans for control of the budget.
    (d) Appropriateness of matching contributions.
    (e) Plan for maintaining the program after the cooperative 
agreement has expired .
    6. Management (10 points): Applicants should specify plans for 
proper organization, staffing, and management of the implementation 
process. Factors that will be considered include:
    (a) Appropriateness and authority of the governing or managing 
organization to conduct the proposed interstate or multi-state 
activities.
    (b) Qualifications of the project team and its leadership to 
conduct the proposed activity.
    (c) Soundness of staffing plans, including recruitment, selection, 
training, and continuing professional development.
    (d) Appropriateness of the organizational approach for carrying out 
the proposed activity.
    (e) Evidence of significant involvement and support by private 
industry.

Eligibility Criteria

    Eligible applicants for these projects will be state and local 
governments, representing either themselves or a consortium of states, 
and appropriate private or public non-profit organizations, operating 
on behalf of a consortium of states or as a representative of states. 
Applicants will be able to propose providing services themselves or 
arranging for some or all of the proposed services to be provided by a 
second party. At least one state represented in the partnership or 
consortium must be characterized by relatively sparse distribution of 
industry or as having lower industrial densities.

Matching Requirements

    A matching contribution from each applicant will be required. NIST 
may provide financial support up to 50% of the total budget for the 
project, however, the federal share may not exceed $250,000. The 
applicant's share of the budget may include dollar contributions from 
state, county, industrial or other non-federal sources and in-kind 
contributions necessary and reasonable for proper accomplishment of 
project objectives.

Proposal Section Process

    The proposal evaluation and selection process with consist of three 
principal phases: Proposal qualification; Proposal review and selection 
of finalists; and Award determination.

a. Proposal Qualification

    All proposals will be reviewed by NIST to assure compliance with 
the proposal content and other basic provisions of this notice. 
Proposals which satisfy these requirements will be designated qualified 
proposals; all others will be disqualified at this phase of the 
evaluation and selection process.

b. Proposal Review and Selection of Finalists

    NIST will appoint an evaluation panel to review and evaluate all 
qualified proposals in accordance with the evaluation criteria and 
values set forth in this notice. From the qualified proposals a group 
of finalists will be selected based on this review.

c. Award Determination

    The Director of NIST, or her designee, shall select awardees based 
on the rank order of total evaluation scores, geographic distribution, 
and the availability of funds. Upon the final award decision, a 
notification will be made to each of the proposing organizations.

Additional Requirements

    Federal Policies and Procedures--Recipients and subrecipients are 
subject to all Federal laws and Federal and DOC policies, regulations, 
and procedures applicable to Federal financial assistance awards.
    Past Performance--Unsatisfactory performance under prior Federal 
awards may result in an application not being considered for funding.
    Preaward Activities--If applicants incur any costs prior to an 
award being made, they do so solely at their own risk of not being 
reimbursed by the Government. Notwithstanding any written or verbal 
assurance that may have been received, there is no obligation on the 
part of DOC to cover preaward costs.
    Delinquent Federal Debts--No award of Federal funds shall be made 
to an applicant who has an outstanding delinquent Federal debt until 
either:
    1. The delinquent account is paid in full;
    2. A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least one 
payment is received; or
    3. Other arrangements satisfactory to DOC are made.
    Name Check Review--All non-profit and for-profit applicants are 
subject to a name check review process. Name checks are intended to 
reveal if any key individuals associated with the applicant have been 
convicted of or are presently facing criminal charges such as fraud, 
theft, perjury, or other matters which significantly reflect on the 
applicant's management honesty or financial integrity.
    Primary Applicant Certification--All primary applicants must submit 
a completed Form CD-511, ``Certifications Regarding Debarment, 
Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace 
Requirements and Lobbying,'' and the following explanations are hereby 
provided.
    1. Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension. Prospective 
participants (as defined at 15 CFR part 26, section 105) are subject to 
15 CFR part 26, ``Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension'' and the 
related section of the certification form prescribed above applies;
    2. Drug-Free Workplace. Grantees (as defined at 15 CFR part 26, 
section 605) are subject to 15 CFR part 26, subpart F, ``Governmentwide 
Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)'' and the related section 
of the certification form prescribed above applies;
    3. Anti-Lobbying Persons (as defined at 15 CFR part 28, section 
105) are subject to the lobbying provisions of 31 U.S.C. 1352, 
``Limitation on use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal 
contracting and financial transactions,'' and the lobbying section of 
the certification form prescribed above applies to applications/bids 
for grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts for more than 
$100,000, and loans and loan guarantees for more than $150,000, or the 
single family maximum mortgage limit for affected programs, whichever 
is greater; and
    4. Anti-Lobbying Disclosures. Any applicant that has paid or will 
pay for lobbying using any funds must submit an SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of 
Lobbying Activities,'' as required under 15 CFR part 28, appendix B.
    Lower Tier Certifications. Recipients shall require applicants/
bidders for subgrants, contracts, subcontracts, or other lower tier 
covered transactions at any tier under the award to submit, if 
applicable, a completed Form CD-512, ``Certifications Regarding 
Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier 
Covered Transactions and Lobbying'' and disclosure form SF-LLL, 
``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.'' Form CD-512 is intended for the 
use of recipients and should be transmitted to DOC. SF-LLL submitted by 
an tier recipient or subrecipient should be submitted to DOC in 
accordance with the instructions contained in the award document.
    False Statements. A false statement on an application is grounds 
for denial or termination of funds and grounds for possible punishment 
by a fine or imprisonment as provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001.
    Requirement to Buy American-Made Equipment or Products. Applicants 
are hereby notified that any equipment or products authorized to be 
purchased with funding provided under this program must be American-
made to the maximum extent feasible in accordance with Public Law 103-
121, section 606. (a) and (b). Adequate justifications will be required 
for any proposed purchases of equipment or products that are not 
American-made.
    Intergovernmental Review. Applications under this program are 
subject to the requirements of Executive Order 12372, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''
    Classification: The Manufacturing Extension Partnership is being 
carried out under the authority of the Omnibus Trade and 
Competitiveness Act of 1988, as amended 15 U.S.C. 2781. This notice 
relating to public property, loans, grants benefits, or contracts is 
exempt from all requirements of section 553 of the Administrative 
Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2)) including notice and opportunity for 
comment. Therefore, a Regulatory Flexibility Analysis is not required 
and was not prepared for this notice for purposes of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 603 and 604). The program is not a major 
Federal action requiring an environmental assessment under the National 
Environmental Policy Act. This notice does not contain policies with 
Federalism implications sufficient to warrant preparation of a 
Federalism assessment under Executive Order 12612. This notice contains 
collection of information requirements subject to the Paperwork 
Reduction Act which have been approved by the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB Control Number 0693-0010). This document was not previously 
reviewed by OMB under Executive Order 12866.

    Dated: March 10, 1994.
Samuel Kramer,
Associate Director.
[FR Doc. 94-6217 Filed 3-16-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-13-M